Via Verona

LOCATION
On High Street, in the main shopping stretch of Kew.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Via Verona is always busy. In fact, every section of it is busy. At the entry, there’s a rack of crusty loaves and a display cabinet filled with small cakes. Further along the counter, there is a glass cabinet showcasing focaccias, frittatas, salads and so on. Behind the counter, there are usually four or five people making coffee and taking food orders, and behind them, on the blackboard, are chalked the breakfast possibilities. There are tables inside and out, and stools at a bench that looks onto the street. At breakfast and lunch, every seat is usually taken. This is a local cafe at its best. It’s popular with shoppers and has made a name for itself as a meeting place for those wishing to catch up, both privately and professionally. The rear courtyard is quieter and ideal for intimate conversation.

Don’t expect formal food here. What you see in the display is what you get: grilled Mediterranean focaccia is particularly nice, but the pizza slices with fresh tomato, and the changing frittata are equally good. Portion sizes are generous, so many of the regulars will share a hearty sandwich, and then settle back with a coffee and cake. There are also lunch specials such as the Atlantic salmon, simply cooked, with a garnish of vegetables. There’s a fine range of cakes in the Italian style, available for sale as large cakes (ordering in advance is a good idea) or as individual servings. The finger-sized cannoli filled with crema pasticceria are extremely pleasant as a morning or afternoon treat. Breakfast is more conventional, with the possibility of eggs any way and various extras, as well as muesli.

Rita Erlich